Derrick Rose Is Still Out for the Season, People

Although Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose told USA Today’s Sean Highkin in December that he could return from a torn meniscus in his right knee “if I’m healthy and the situation is right,” all signs continue to point toward D-Rose missing the entire 2013-14 campaign.

ESPN Chicago’s Nick Friedell said via Twitter that Bulls general manager Gar Forman is operating under the assumption that Rose will not return.

Provided that Forman decided to trade two-time All-Star Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers in order to dump salary, it’s fair to assume he’s thinking about what’s best for the franchise long term.

Additionally, head coach Tom Thibodeau said that his floor general will “most likely not” return to team practices this season, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

Also, ESPN’s Michael Wilbon wrote on Feb. 8, “Nobody has spoken publicly of being ‘cleared by doctors’ and presumably nobody will. Not a word has been uttered aloud about Rose coming back anytime soon to play for the Bulls.”

Numerous outlets are reporting that Rose is still considered out for the season. As a result, it’s unfair to hold the former MVP to a different expectation.

Although the superstar out of Memphis has been dealt an admittedly poor hand, he’s continuing to work harder than ever to make yet another comeback.

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“He’s in the gym non-stop,” teammate Joakim Noah said, per ESPN’s Nick Friedell. “Just working on his body, getting better, getting better, and that’s what it’s all about. He’s a big part of this team, and he has that mentality of just having no regrets.”

Despite losing their best player to another knee injury, the Bulls have continued to battle. They’re 20-20 since his injury, which included an 11-4 month of January.

At this point, it’s more fruitful for the Bulls to focus on basketball with the assumption that Rose will not return this season. The “nobody believes in us” mentality can fuel guys like Noah and Taj Gibson to play at a higher level.

Chicago’s future is facing plenty of questions. At this juncture, however, the NBA community has been given no reason to believe D-Rose will return to the court in 2013-14.